Cambrils Travel Guide

Cambrils is one of the destinations that has been awarded the Family Holiday Destination seal of quality by the Catalan Government and when you visit, it’s obvious why. This is a lively town, but not tacky, which seems to have something for everyone. With over 200 restaurants and recognition as a gastronomic capital, Cambrils will also appeal to foodies who wish to spend time in a vibrant town.

It has almost endless beaches and is of course very close to PortAventura and Salou, so this means that if you’re travelling with children or teenagers, it’s close at hand, but you can stay in Cambrils, which is less hectic than Salou! It’s about a 10 to 15 minute drive. One of it’s pride and joys is the park – El Pescador, close to the marina area, which is an impressive park in a wonderful location.

A Lovely Harbour, Pretty Cobbled Streets And A Great Promenade

Parts of the town have pretty cobbled streets, a great castle, fortress and a lovely harbour, where you can have your favourite tipple while you people-watch, or just admire the scenery that nature gave us. It’s got a good buzz even in February, where you can see that the cafés and restaurants are full, on the stretch opposite the fine, palm-lined promenade, on Saturday for lunch.

About

Cambrils Is Caravanning Friendly

If by any chance you are considering a holiday in a caravan, Cambrils is especially caravanning friendly, as are some of the areas close by. There are a few sites there, but Cambrils Park is the best known and even gets rave reviews on the Holiday Watchdog website. As well as sightseeing, we were also on the lookout for a caravan to buy, so we dropped into Caravanning Cambrils where they rent and sell caravans, and even though they were about to close, the guy was very friendly and helpful. They also store caravans and transport them to your desired caravan park for you.

Cambrils Tourist Train

A fun way to see the town when you first arrive is to get onto the Cambrils Tourist Train. This runs from Wednesday to Sunday, from the 17th June until the 15th September.

You pick it up just outside the Tourist Office, and it costs €3.10 for adults and €1.50 for children under 12 and those over 65, who are called the Third Age (Tercera Edad) over here! Also you can buy different passes for a number of trips and half trips. The train takes you to the old town, through some residential areas and on Wednesdays to the market.

The town’s Plaza España (Spain Square) is striking and colourful, just behind the promenade area and for those who enjoy a Mc Donalds once in a while, the location of it in Cambrils is superb, as the tables outside look directly at the beach and sea.

History

Cambrils Brief History

There is evidence that Cambrils originated during pre-historic times, however its growth only began during the Roman period. A variety of archaeological evidence shows us this, in particular sites dotted throughout the area, for example the Roman town of La Llosa. La Llosa is close to the Via Augusta, the Roman road which crosses the territory of what was called the Hispania Province and eventually joined the Via Domitia.

By medieval times, on the Alforja Torrent’s right bank there was a permanent settlement, and from 1152, after the Moors were driven out of Catalonia, privileges were granted in numerous places to encourage re-population. Of course the town’s maritime connections and strategic location made it particularly attractive, and this meant that the Crown decided to keep the title of Cambrils, so they established a feudal lord and also put soldiers there. Defensive towers and walls were built to seve as protection for the town and nearby villages. In 1229 the army of Jaume 1 sailed from Cambrils to re-conquer the island of Majorca from the Moors.

So the town of Cambrils was of significant importance at that time, and the old town that you can see today was developed then. It had a hospital, hostel, church, convent, market, artisans and a fair. Of course in terms of economy, the farmers who worked than fertile lands around the town were also very important.

But this vitality was unfortunately disrupted during the War of Reapers (Guerra dels Segadors) in December 1640. After a three day siege the town fell and the situation was made worse, as the occupying soldiers reneged on the surrender agreement, and killed a large amount of the defenders. They almost destroyed a large part of the town’s walls. This huge event in the town’s history is remembered every year, on a Sunday before or after the main winter festival, of the Immaculate Virgin (8th December). There is a ceremony at Plaça del Setge- Siege Square, which is where the siege took place, which includes two giants, a festive procession and the Devils Dance.

However the population started to increase from the 18th century onwards, with neighbourhoods also growing outside the town walls and once the danger of pirate attacks had reduced, fishermen and their families started to live the Port of Moors Tower, which you can see in the photo here.

The 19th century had its fair share of difficulties, including epidemics, wars and meteorological disasters, however 1867 saw the opening of the railway, which of course gave a good boost to the economy. The town had been producing flour, historically, in its numerous water-driven mills, but during the 19th century other activities started, such as liqueur production, boatyard building and construction material factories. By the middle of the 20th century, the harbour had been built and the population was greatly increased during the 1950s due to immigration from other areas of Spain. By the 1960s tourism hit the town.

Things To Do

Beaches

The area of Cambrils boasts 9km of sandy beaches, which are very well kept and also due to their topography, suitable for children.

Right in the heart of Cambrils you’ll find this urban beach of 1210 metres long by 78 metres wide. It’s a blue flag beach of fine, golden sand that has good services, but can get of course get busy. You’ve got all types of facilities on tap here, even a Mc Donalds that overlooks the sea. If you want to be in the middle of things, this is the beach for you.

Platja del Cap de Sant Pere – St. Peter’s Cape Beach

A blue flag beach of fine golden sand with calm water, which is around 800 metres long and 10 metres on average in width. There are plenty of beach services and bars there, as well as the the fact that it meets with one of the Salou beaches, which means that this beach can get very busy. There are apartment buildings and two hotels there.

If you have teenagers who want to meet other teenagers/young adults, it could be a good option, but if you want to avoid a beach that has a high concentration of teenagers and young adults, then maybe give this one a miss!

Platja de Vilafortuny – Vilafortuny Beach

On the way to Salou, in a semi urban area, you’ll find the popular blue flag Vilafortuny Beach. The sea tends to be calm and the sand is golden, plus there are good facilities. The beach doesn’t get as busy as some of the other main Cambrils and Salou beaches, and is around 1200 long by 70 metres wide. You tend to find a more Spanish crowd there, but also foreigners who rent nearby apartments.

Platja de L’Esquirol- L’Esquirol Beach

A blue flag golden sandy beach, of 1100 metres long by an average of 26 metres width, the beach has good facilities and calm waters. It can be busy during the season. At this beach you can see the Torre del Telegrafo (Telegraph Tower). There’s a sailing school on the western end of the beach.

Platja del Cavet – Cavet Beach

A blue flag beach that has half rocks and half golden sand. It doesn’t get as busy as some of the other beaches, probably because it is a bit wilder than some of the other beaches, with funny features such as twisted pines – but they do add character. It is around 660 long by 20 metres wide.

Platja d’Horta de Santa Maria – Orchard of St. Mary Beach

Around 550 metres long and 54 wide, this is also a busy enough beach in an urban area, which has breakwaters that protect it from the coast. You’ll find some nice restaurants and bars there, with comfy terraces.

Platja de la Llosa – Slab Beach

This beach is in a semi-urban area, and doesn’t get as busy as some of the others beaches in Cambrils. It is around 1000 metres long and 55 metres wide. It has golden sand and calm waters, with some rougher sand and grassier areas as you get closer to the promenade.

Platja de l’Ardiaca – Archdeacon Beach

This beach is 1600 metres long by 60 metres wide, with golden sand and a breakwater that protects the beach. It is not as busy as some of the other beaches in Cambrils.

Platja de La Riera – Riera Beach

At the fishing port is the Riera Beach, which has more coarse golden sand. It still gets pretty busy, because of its calm waters and location. The beach is small, around 200 metres long by 15 wide. I like it because of the river – Riera de l’Alforja – which runs into it at the end, but this only happens after heavy rain.

Churches

The exact date of when the church was built is not known, but thought to be between 1495 and 1648. It has a combination of Baroque, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles and in the 18th century was restored, and once again after 1939. It is a listed protected monument.

Outside the church Eglesia de Santa Mariain Cambrils there is a monument in honour of the son of the city, Cardinal Vidal i Barraquer. It is a bronze statue by Ramon Ferran, of the man who was archibishop of Tarragona and Cardinal. It was opened official on the 15th May 1978 when the Cardinal’s mortal remains were returned to his home town.

Hermitages

Cambrils Nucli Antic – Cambrils Old Town

If you don’t take the tourist train, but opt to walk, as you wander around Cambrils, you’ll spot a few road signs that point to the Nucli Antic – this is the old town. You’ll see that some of the ancient wall is still preserved, and there are a few different monuments to see in the old town of Cambrils.

Torre i L’Ermita de la Mare de Déu del Cami – Tower and Hermitage of the Mother of God of the Road

I was impressed with the Torre i L’Ermita de la Mare de Déu del Cami – Hermitage of the Mother of God of the Road. When I first saw this monument, I hadn’t any idea what it was, all I knew was that it was impressive. It turns out that the original chapel, is referenced in a document in 1214. The building you see today was actually built in 1778 with stones that were brought from the quarry of Monjuic. It has a crypt that joins to the former watchtower, and three naves.

Unfortunately it was in a state of neglect until the 1970s, at which stage the town began restoring it. Today it is a fine monument, with a combination of architectural styles – Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance. In 2007 its crypt was also restored and transformed into a concert hall. On the 8th of September the feast of it’s patron is celebrated there.

Museums

El Museu Agrícola de Cambrils – The Agricultural Museum of Cambrils

Carrer del Sindicat 2, Cambrils 43850 , Tarragona Phone: 977 360 719

In Cambrils Nucli Antic – Cambrils Old Town The design of this building started in 1914, by the architect Bernardino Martorell, with a style that shows a definite Gaudí influence. It opened in 1921 because of the efforts of the Union of Agricultural Production members. During wine-making it allowed energy to be saved, and the building was in active use until 1993 when the wine section of the Co-op was dissolved.

In 1994 the Agricultural Co-Operative initiated work which began to transform the building into a museum. This work was supported by the City of Cambrils and the Province of Tarragona, and in 1998 the museum opened, and it’s part of the History Museum Theatre Network. Visitors can buy local produce from the area’s farmers, including Siurana, an excellent extra virgin olive oil.

Opening Hours:1st September to 30th June Saturdays from 10.00 to 13:30 and from 17.00 to 20.00 Sundays and holidays from 10:30 to 13.30

July and August Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 13:30 and from 17.00 to 20.30 Sundays and holidays from 11.00 to 14.00

Closed Mondays and on the 1st and 6th January , 1st May and 25th and 26th December

Museu Moli de las Tres Eres – The Three Era Mill Museum

Via Augusta 1, Cambrils 43850 Phone: 977 794 528

You can see an old hydraulic flour mill here, as well as a range of permanent exhibitions, such ads the one that is dedicated to archaeology of Cambrils ancient population. There are Neolithic objects to be seen amongst other treasures, in the building that was operating until 1895 as a flour mill.

INLAND VILLAGES

FISHING VILLAGES

SEASIDE TOWNS

ARTIST ROUTES

WINE ROUTES

NATURAL PARKS

12 Responses to Cambrils Travel Guide

Such a lot to see – you are right that it would give something for everybody! And so many beaches too. It is interesting that the government rate and promote this location – that is a step up from the beach ratings that the UK does! It’s incredibly near Barcelona and presumably is a top spot for locals as well as tourists, hence the fab choice of beaches and restaurants?

Thanks Anna. It is very near to Barcelona and super close also to Reus, if you are someone who doesn’t mind flying Ryanair. 🙂 Also it’s very close to Tarragona, which I will be writing about soon, and that’s an interesting city destination. It’s great that they grade the places, and there are lots of lovely beaches and coves, and an abundance of restaurants.

Another great guide, Jackie, thank you. Sounds like the kind of place my family would enjoy. The thing I like about Catalonia is how they seemingly manage to retain their traditions as you say. They don’t let tourism overrun and spoil a place and for me that just adds to the charm.

Many thanks Paul. I am really glad that you like it and certainly for your boys there’s more happening in Cambrils, than some other towns for families. I love the traditions and the festivals. This week one of the local government organisations was in touch and have sent me some interesting information on subsidised routes they are doing, that take in traditions and gastronomy, so I shall write about those over the next week or two.

This does sound a lovely place. I particularly like the sound of the old town and the church, Eglesia de Santa Maria Cambrils, sounds interesting. I was wondering, what is the best time of year to visit this region of Spain with respect to the weather? I like it when it’s hot enough to swim in the sea but cool enough to explore places on foot without the heat being draining.

Thanks Kathryn. It is lovely and like yourself I like old towns, which many of the towns here have. In terms of when to come over, it really depends on your cold threshold 🙂 Me for example, I wouldn’t go into the sea til June, but I feel the cold very badly and there’s plenty of people that would go in earlier than me. May should be a nice month, but for me it would be June personally. July and August can be a bit tough heat-wise, and even at night sometimes. Have a great weekend.

As I read your posts, I am continually gaining more information about the trip to Spain that I will set up sometime in the future. The Cambrils Tourist Train is a good idea as it can give you an overview of the city so you can decide what you want to visit and explore.

Hi Lee, really glad that you’re getting some ideas. The Cambrils Tourist Train is a great idea, I used to live in Nerja, in the south for a few years and they had one also. It was a lot of fun, as we often met up with friends on Friday evening for a drink and when the tourist train came by we’d give them a good wave, and the tourists (most of them) loved the fun of seeing the town and getting waved at in some places.

Really nice article, I was in Cambrils this summer and pleasantly surprised by the costa dorada, really beautiful landscapes but also many activities to do : cultural, sport, hobbies… Hope to discover more maybe next year 😉 !

Hi Emily, Thanks so much. I think Cambrils is a great balance for many types of visitors. The Costa Dorada is wonderful as are lots of the inland villages of the area. I hope you come back, discover and enjoy more next year. Warm regards, Jackie